Key Aspects:
- Rotterdam has returned to service following a 2-week dry dock refreshment in the Netherlands.
- More live music venues were added, as well as updates to other public spaces and suites.
- The ship is now offering northern European itineraries and will move to Florida in October.
Holland America Line fans can sing and dance for the new refreshments aboard Rotterdam as the ship has now debuted following her 2-week dry dock enhancement.
The April 12-26 dry dock was completed in the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, letting the 99,863-gross-ton ship return immediately to service on Sunday, April 26, with Norwegian fjord itineraries. On those sailings, guests will enjoy fun upgrades and reimagined spaces, including a greater emphasis on live music.
For example, the Billboard Onboard and Rolling Stone Lounge on Deck 2 both expanded their seating areas with a redesigned flow and sight lines to accommodate more guests for various live music performances.
The Crow’s Nest on Deck 12 has added a live music stage for even more options, while the space will still offer lectures and enrichment programming with splendid panoramic views as stunning backdrops.
Yet another live music stage was added on Deck 9 at the aft Sea View Pool, bringing one more music venue to the ship and allowing for even more diverse music offerings throughout the day and into the night.
For guests who enjoy the ching-a-ching-ching music of slot machines, the casino on deck 3 has been expanded with nearly 20 new slots, along with updated carpet, upgraded table games, and new seating.
Relaxation spaces in the Greenhouse Spa & Salon have been thoughtfully updated for guest comfort as well as stylist efficiency, ensuring everyone can look their best for delightful evenings and stunning portraits. For a bit more glam, visit the refurbished Effy Jewelry boutique with its new, modernized look.
Other typical interior updates on Rotterdam include flooring updates and more flexible seating in the main dining room, along with updates to staterooms and guest corridors as is typical for any dry dock refreshment.
Of special interest for guests who want the most exclusive onboard experiences will be the updates to 22 of the ship’s Vista Suites. New sofa beds have been added to these staterooms, increasing their capacity to better accommodate families and groups.
Comfortable sleeping is now available for up to four guests in the updated suites, but without compromising the overall design and luxurious amenities the Vista Suites are known for.
It isn’t just on the inside that Rotterdam is looking better than ever. The ship’s hull was repainted for a crisp finish, and assorted technical work was completed to ensure all her systems are functioning at optimum efficiency.
Setting Sail on the Refreshed Rotterdam
This is the first significant dry dock update for Rotterdam since she joined the Holland America Line fleet in late 2021. It is common for ships to have such refurbishments every 4-5 years.
On Sunday, April 26, 2026 the ship welcomed her first post-refreshment guests onboard for a 7-night Norwegian fjords sailing with visits to Copenhagen, Oslo, Kristiansand, and Stavanger, before she will return to Rotterdam on Sunday, May 3.
The Pinnacle-class ship will remain homeported from her namesake city through early October, offering 7-night sailings through the summer months with some unique itineraries on her schedule.
For example, her July 12 and August 16 sailings are both 14-night voyages to Iceland with calls in Scotland as well. On August 30, she departs on a 14-night sailing to cross the Arctic Circle, with plentiful port visits in Norway along the way.
In September, Rotterdam is offering several voyages with visits to Germany for Oktoberfest celebrations in Rostock and Kiel.
The ship will finish her northern European season when she departs Amsterdam on October 18 for a transatlantic cruise that will end in Fort Lauderdale. Along the way, she will visit ports in Belgium, the UK, and Bermuda before arriving at Port Everglades on October 31.
From the Sunshine State, Rotterdam will offer both eastern and western Caribbean itineraries through the winter months, returning to Rotterdam in early April 2027.
